HD Hyundai is stepping up efforts to bring large-scale electric-powered ships closer to commercial reality, tackling one of shipping’s most complex decarbonisation challenges.
While electrification has gained traction in road transport, applying it to oceangoing vessels remains difficult due to the high energy demands and long voyages without recharging. As a result, the sector is moving towards systems that generate electricity onboard using lower-emission fuels.
At the core of HD Hyundai’s strategy is an “energy mix” power system, combining dual-fuel engines with ammonia-based solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The engines provide flexibility to manage fluctuating onboard loads, while fuel cells deliver steady, combustion-free power generation, improving overall efficiency and reducing emissions.
The company is also advancing medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) systems for onboard power distribution. Compared to conventional AC systems, MVDC can reduce transmission losses and enhance overall energy efficiency, making it a key enabler for large electric vessels.
On the propulsion side, HD Hyundai is developing a locally produced electric propulsion drive using modular multilevel converter (MMC) technology. This allows for precise motor control, lower noise and vibration, and reduced reliance on imported systems.
In parallel, the company is working with American Bureau of Shipping to help establish design standards and regulatory frameworks for electric ship systems, including MVDC.
HD Hyundai has already secured Approval in Principle (AiP) for a 16,000 TEU electric-propulsion container ship design and is targeting commercial deployment by 2030, positioning itself at the forefront of the shift towards fully electrified large vessels.
